2025 US Deaf Golf Championships Draws Golfers From Around the Country

mansfield77
Aug 2
2 min read

By Michael Finneran, USDGA

Ashlyn Johnson (in green) and Erica Pressley (in black) congratulate each other after the final hole at the 2025 US Deaf Golf Championships in Championsgate, Florida (Photo couretsy US Deaf Golf Association)

ORLANDO, FLORIDA (July 13, 2025)—What a week! Hot, humid, buggy, and wet—and so on. But the US Deaf Golf Championships (USDGC), held at ChampionsGate near Orlando, was a success!

Sixty-two golfers from across the U.S. gathered to compete in various divisions, all vying for a spot on the 2026 WDGC team, which will be held in Barsebäck, Sweden.

Each division leader began in the first round and continued through three rounds (This year golfers played only three rounds instead of the usual four, in keeping with the ICSD's recent change to the golf competition format).

In the Open Division, professional golfer Kevin Hall delivered three solid rounds and won by a wide margin—though not quite as wide as in the unforgettable USDGC tournament in Wisconsin last summer, which he also won. However, since the WDGC only accepts amateurs, Pono Tokioka will be representing the United States in Sweden in 2026.

The Women’s Division was won by 18-year-old rising star—and now USDGC veteran—Ashlyn Johnson, in her third appearance. She edged out Erica Pressley with an impressive final round score of 71.

McGowin Miller, an Alabamian who turned 51 during the event (Seniors begin at 50), stunned the crowd by shooting 69 in both the first and third rounds. Mike Houston of Colorado, a newly inducted Hall of Famer, tried to catch him but faltered in the final round.

In the Senior Women’s Division, Patty Lopez of Colorado won handily.

Dan Hall took the gross score title in the Recreation Division.

Two young golfers made their first appearances and enjoyed their rounds. One, Colton Marshalek., an 18-year-old from Washington, showed real promise. The other, Aida Foley, just 8 years old, played from the junior tees and improved by about 12 strokes each day!

Congratulations to all the winners!

Full scores can be found on the US Deaf Golf Association website: usdeafgolf.org.

At the banquet, the Hall of Fame inductees were announced: Mike Houston, James Kim, Trisha Nolan, Robert Ritch, James Rooney, and Paul Rutkowski.

The newly elected USDGA Board for the 2025-2027 term, from left to right: David Cleary (Secretary), Bill Roberts, Melissa Stockton, Michael Finneran (President), Susan Zupnik (Treasurer), Kevin Hall, Luke Garvin, Pono Tokioka (Vice President), and Keith Worek.

Board members were also sworn in, pledging to serve to the best of their abilities. They will be led by President Mike Finneran, now entering his sixth (and possibly final) term.

Looking ahead: USDGC will be held in Colorado in 2027 and Maryland in 2029.

Hats off to Melissa Stockton, Chair, and her wonderful committee for making this tournament a great success.

Everyone went home with great memories.